Mardi Himal Trekking

The primary objective of Mardi Himal trekking is to reach the base camp of Mardi Himal. This trekking route has been opened for trekkers since 2012, but it has rapidly gained popularity. It is located to the east of Annapurna Base Camp and close to Pokhara. The trek offers an opportunity to explore the transitional villages, infinite and cultural diversity, amazing views of the mountains and the alluring views of the river. The trek goes through ancient rhododendron forests and takes you close to Mardi Himal. On this trek you can see the most beautiful mountains Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hinchuli, Ganga Purna and Annapurna I.

There are many starting points for the Mardi Himal trek, but Kande and Dhampus phedi are the most popular. The trek itinerary is given below also starts from Dhampus phedi after 40 minutes drive from Pokhara. First, the steep trail leads up to the village of Dhampus, then on a flat and steep walk to Pothana (1950 m) and then to Deurali (2100 m). There is a right turn in Deurali sign posted “Forest Camp” the trail is through the jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp (2554 m).

This trekking trail is initially quite steep leaving Forest Camp but soon gets less steep as you again get up on the ridge. The trail leaves Low Camp in the jungle again, but the trees soon start getting smaller and after about an hour of trekking exits the jungle with spectacular views of Machchhapuchhre on the open ridge and Annapurna south to my left. It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for 4 to 5 hours till Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) and back to High Camp in about 4 hours.

This makes a long day trek but there is also a viewpoint about halfway, the amazing view can be seen from here. After that, we trek to the High Camp, then to the Low Camp, and then we proceed to Siddhing and Saidighatta. From Saidighatta, we drive back to Pokhara and the next day drives back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu airport- transfer hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Kathmandu and Patan
Day 03: Drive or Flight to Pokhara (820 m)
Day 04: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana
Day 05: Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2554 m)
Day 06: Trek to High Camp (3980 m)
Day 07: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) and back to High Camp
Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Siding Village
Day 09: Trek from Siding Village to Saidighatta and drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive or Flight to Kathmandu (1350 m)
Day 11: Sightseeing to Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur
Day 12: Drive to Airport for flying your own destination